An expression trending this summer is “COVID fatigue”.  We probably all know someone who is tired of being careful, or who is experiencing “angry resistance” to physical distancing.

Staying in our bubbles can be exhausting, and if you are experiencing unemployment, COVID fatigue can be amplified.  Healthy behaviours deliver healthier outcomes so here are 3 steps to infuse into your job search plan to help achieve wellness instead of fatigue:

Talking:

If you ignore your feelings of fear you can lose control, so take this time to connect with a Career Specialist who helps with employment preparations essentials. They provide advice on how applicant tracking systems screen out resumes and what employers expect from candidates.  Career Specialists create career plans which can include reminding you to find references, reviewing how to build networking contacts and recommending webinars to improve your ability to appear on Zoom. The odds are that your next job interview will be on a video conferencing platform so become an expert at using it to increase your chances of achieving employment.

Constructive Thinking:

You might think that it is COVID that is the cause of your depleted feelings but feelings and attitudes come from thoughts. No one can change the COVID situation but you can adjust your thinking. For example, if you get frustrated when you are out in public trying to physical distance and you see others without face-masks on who is acting as if there is no pandemic, remind yourself to control the things you can,  and that you cannot control other people.  Say to yourself “For every person, not face-masking, look at all the people who are.”  Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, and if you need to talk to someone to develop positive and productive thinking consider connecting with one of the free services listed at https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-mental-health-resources/

Avoid Time Travelling:

When life is uncertain, there is a tendency to spend time thinking about the future. COVID can be time to prepare. There is a difference between preparing for the future and pretending it is already here.  If you catch yourself worrying about what life will look like in 2 or 5 years, readjust your thinking to the moment you are in. For example, register for a free online course, or reach out to someone in your network. Instead of letting your emotions run away with things you cannot control, slow down and pause. Contact your Career Specialist who can provide job search advice based on your goals and needs.

If you find yourself moving toward COVID fatigue, stop and consider your health. You might have to stay in your home bubble for a while longer or wear a face-mask while shopping, however, you can reframe exhaustion to replenishment. Fight COVID fatigue by putting your health and job search first.

If you want to speak with a Career Specialist about how to do this, contact us.

Achēv offers free weekly events and workshops to help you achieve your employment and career goals. Visit our Events Calendar to see all of our upcoming events.